The Government Holidays 2026 calendar offers a comprehensive list of all official holidays, including national, regional, and festival-specific dates observed across India. These holidays are announced by the central and respective state governments, covering public offices, banks, and schools. With several long weekends lined up in 2026, employees and students can plan their vacations, family trips, or festive celebrations more efficiently. Here’s a complete overview of the government holiday schedule for 2026, including dates and long weekend combinations.
Below is a detailed overview of the key holidays and observances in India for 2026, presented in a table for clarity:
National Holidays in India 2026
|
Date |
Day |
Holiday |
Significance |
|
January 26 |
Monday |
Republic Day |
Celebrates the adoption of the Indian Constitution |
|
August 15 |
Saturday |
Independence Day |
Celebrates India’s independence from British rule |
|
October 2 |
Friday |
Gandhi Jayanti |
Birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi |
Major Religious Festivals and Observances in India 2026
|
Date |
Day |
Festival |
Religious Significance |
|
February 22 |
Sunday |
Maha Shivratri |
Worship of Lord Shiva |
|
March 22-30 |
Monday-Tuesday |
Holi (date may vary) |
Festival of colors |
|
April 21-22 |
Wednesday-Thursday |
Good Friday & Easter Sunday |
Christian observance celebrating the resurrection of Jesus |
|
April 14 |
Tuesday |
Baisakhi / Vaisakhi |
Sikh New Year and harvest festival |
|
May 1 |
Friday |
Buddha Purnima |
Birth of Lord Buddha |
|
July 17-18 |
Friday-Saturday |
Eid-ul-Fitr |
End of Ramadan, Islamic festival |
|
July 29-30 |
Wednesday-Thursday |
Bakrid / Eid-ul-Adha |
Islamic festival commemorating the willingness of Ibrahim |
|
August 15-16 |
Saturday-Sunday |
Janmashtami & Naga Panchami |
Birth of Lord Krishna & snake worship |
|
September 16-17 |
Wednesday-Thursday |
Ganesh Chaturthi |
Lord Ganesha’s birth celebration |
|
October 2-3 |
Friday-Saturday |
Navratri/Durga Puja |
Goddess Durga’s victory over evil |
|
October 12 |
Sunday |
Dussehra |
Victory of Lord Rama over Ravana |
|
November 1-2 |
Sunday-Monday |
Diwali (Deepavali) |
Festival of lights, victory of good over evil |
|
November 25 |
Wednesday |
Guru Nanak Jayanti |
Birth of Guru Nanak, Sikh festival |
|
December 25 |
Friday |
Christmas |
Celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ |
Important Regional and Miscellaneous Observances
|
Date |
Day |
Holiday/Observance |
Notes |
|
January (varies) |
Varies |
Mahavir Jayanti |
Jain festival, date varies based on lunar calendar |
|
August (varies) |
Varies |
Raksha Bandhan |
Festival celebrating sibling bonds |
|
October (varies) |
Varies |
Karva Chauth |
North Indian festival for married women |
|
November (varies) |
Varies |
Guru Nanak Gurpurab |
Celebrates Guru Nanak’s birth |
Notes:
- Many festivals like Eid-ul-Fitr, Diwali, and Janmashtami are based on lunar calculations, and dates are tentative.
- Government offices, schools, and banks typically observe these holidays nationwide, but regional holidays may vary.
- Additional local festivals and state-specific holidays may be declared by regional authorities.
India's diverse cultural landscape is reflected in its array of holidays and observances, which are celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country. The year 2026 will be rich with celebrations from religious festivals, national holidays, to regional festivals, emphasizing unity in diversity.
